77. Navigating Social Media with Your Teens, with Drew Kizer

Social media — and smartphone usage more broadly — can be a challenging issue in families. Once introduced, it vies for our kids' attention and adds a layer of complexity as our teenagers are building relationships, forming their self-identity, and growing spiritually, intellectually, and physically. It's our job as fathers to help guide our kids through what Drew Kizer, guest in this episode, calls the "dangerous playground" of social media. But how? Join us for this wide-ranging and hugely important conversation as we discuss: The current state of social media and its influence on society and families At what age we should allow our kids access to smartphones and social media How to have healthy conversations with our teenagers about the potential dangers of social media, and how to help them use it in a life-giving way Our role as fathers in monitoring our kids' phone usage and restricting access if necessary What the Bible says about social media And more Drew also breaks down the elements of the P-A-C-T agreement that he recommends kids and parents implement with respect to their social media use. If smartphones and social media are a source of contention in your family, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are tools and mindsets to help you navigate this issue successfully. We cover them in this episode. About Our Guest Drew Kizer has been the pulpit minister at Ashville Road Baptist Church in Leeds, Alabama since 2000. He received a B.A. in Bible and a M.A. in New Testament from Freed-Hardeman University. In addition to his local work, Drew stays busy writing, podcasting, and speaking at lectureships, gospel meetings, and mission campaigns. His eleven-year battle with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease has given him perspective on how God gives strength through weakness. Drew likes to use his experience with chronic illness to help others who are in similar situations, especially those who suffer from PD. Drew and his wife, Julie, have two children, Ava and Jackson. Drew is the author of several books including Dangerous Playground: The Christian and Social Media, Burdens, and Sufficient Grace: A Christian Perspective on Chronic Illness. You can connect with Drew on Facebook, here: https://www.facebook.com/drewkizer A Dose of Motivation “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” — Psalm 119:37 Connect with us: Watch more great content on our YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] Music in this episode is from "Good Ol' Man" (©2022) by Drew Green and reproduced with permission from Drew Green.